The Breeze - November 2016 - Features

On Nov. 23, 1906 the lead headline for the Americus Times-Recorder read “Sumter is the Winner,” having been named the county for Georgia’s Third District Agricultural and Mechanical School. One hundred ten years later, faculty, staff and students at what is now known as Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) feel like they are the winners, living and learning in a community that places importance on service to others.

The GSW community celebrated their big birthday all of last week (Oct. 31 through Nov. 4) with fun and fulfilling events dubbed “110 Hours of Celebration.” On Monday, GSW Fitness and Wellness held “110 Minutes of Fitness” with events ranging from dance to yoga. A special blood drive was held on Wednesday, Nov. 2, which surpassed its regular goal by nine units of blood.

The signature event “110 Minutes of Service” was held on Friday, Nov. 4. Approximately 250 faculty, staff and students dispersed throughout the community and on campus, to participate in service projects.

“Culminating a week of activities celebrating Georgia Southwestern’s 110-year history, we took part in ‘100 Minutes of Service’ on Friday,” said GSW Interim President Charles Patterson. “Capping off an exciting week with service to our community is a fitting tribute. We are thankful to our service partners, and we are proud to be a part of Americus and Sumter County.”

Service partners included:

The Harvest of Hope Food Pantry

The Boys and Girls Club of Americus/Sumter County

The Sumter Humane Society

Sumter County Primary School

The Sumter County Recreation Department

The Fuller Center for Housing

Furlow Charter School

Southwest Georgia Children’s Alliance

Americus Main Street

Feedback from the service partners was very positive.

“Furlow Charter School appreciates the faculty, staff and students who donated 110 (+) minutes of their time preparing garden beds for our scholars and advisors,” said Furlow Charter School Assistant Principal Jason Williams. “Georgia Southwestern's involvement in the education of our scholars shows the importance of GSW's past, present, and future presence in Americus and Sumter County!”

Throughout the week, the University community also collected food items to donate to the Harvest of Hope Food Pantry and holiday wrapping supplies for the Southwest Georgia Children’s Alliance. University officials are considering making this day of service and annual activity.

SUAVE Recognizes Beth Morris (Breast Cancer Awareness)

SUAVE (Strong, United, Assertive, Virtuous, Educated Women) hosted several events during the month of October to spread awareness for Breast Cancer. Their theme this year was “For us it’s a game, for them it’s a Battle….Pink Out.” This semester the organization hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, Wear Pink Day, and Breast Cancer Awareness Tea Party. Also, during this time they recognized Breast Cancer Survivors on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University. This year SUAVE had the privilege of recognizing Mrs. Beth Morris. Beth works in the Office of Information and Instructional Technology. She is a very energetic person and a blessing to be around. Beth stayed strong during her battle with Breast Cancer. She is very grateful for the support that she received during that time. She supports SUAVE Breast Cancer Awareness efforts each year. It was a joy to honor her this year with a basket full of goodies.